Mom Decides to Raise Her Son 'Differently'—How She Does It Amazes Viewers

One mom's message about how to raise boys is going viral on social media.

Dr. Mona Amin, 39, in South Florida, challenged stereotypical gender norms in an Instagram reel, while highlighting how she raises her son.

"It's incredible to see our son more in tune with his emotions than many grown adults we know. He plays with dolls, trucks, loves superheroes, loves to snuggle, and loves to paint and draw. His interests are his and not based on stereotypes," Amin told Newsweek.

Screenshots of Dr. Mona Amin's Instagram reel showing how she raises her son. Amin told Newsweek that by learning his value isn’t tied to rigid gender norms, her son can grow into a confident, empathetic... @pedsdoctalk

Allowing boys to be themselves means breaking free from outdated stereotypes that confine their emotional expression and interests, she added.

The video shows her son hugging his father, as on-screen text says, "Don't raise your boy to think crying is okay because he may grow up to be an emotionally intelligent man."

Another scene shows her son playing with a doll, as on-screen text says, "Don't raise your boy to play with dolls because he may grow up to be a man who nurtures those around him."

Amin told Newsweek: "Instead of pushing traditional ideas like 'boys don't cry' or 'be tough,' we can encourage boys to explore their full range of emotions, embrace diverse hobbies, and define their own version of strength beyond physicality or stoicism."

She highlighted the potentially devastating consequences of young boys hearing phrases such as "man up," as statistics show a higher rate of suicide among men and that men are less likely to seek help for mental health concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, men made up "50 percent of the population but nearly 80 percent of suicides."

Amin, a mom of two, said, "For society, nurturing boys to embrace their full humanity helps break cycles of toxic masculinity, which can perpetuate harm through suppressed emotions and rigid roles."

Her reel, posted on October 29, has received more than 3 million views and comments from fellow parents, with many describing how they're raising their sons free from outdated stereotypes of masculinity.

"That is when things will start changing, when we raise boys differently," one user wrote.

A mom of four commented that there were no gender-specific roles in her house. "I'm not raising 'needy humans,' they will all grow into amazing, kind, smart and very independent and capable humans," she wrote.

Amin said parents can help the boys in their lives explore who they truly are by creating a judgement-free environment that encourages open conversations about feelings, interests and fears.

She added that parents can replace phrases like "man up" with affirmations of kindness, emotional awareness and individuality.

"Support their choices, whether it's playing with dolls or expressing sadness, and celebrate their unique traits and talents," Amin said. "By fostering empathy and connection through meaningful interactions, parents can raise boys who are emotionally intelligent, self-assured, and capable of building authentic, healthy relationships."

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.